U.S. patent number 10,462,526 [Application Number 15/548,891] was granted by the patent office on 2019-10-29 for display device.
This patent grant is currently assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC.. The grantee listed for this patent is LG ELECTRONICS INC.. Invention is credited to Brian Behnke, David Kempe, Uniyoung Kim, Goeun Lee, Mercedes Mapua, Ryunghwa Rhee, Keith Weng, Colin Zhao.
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United States Patent |
10,462,526 |
Kim , et al. |
October 29, 2019 |
Display device
Abstract
A display device according to an embodiment of the present
invention comprises: a display unit configured to display a
plurality of icons; an input interface unit configured to receive a
request from a remote control device to control the operation of
the display device; and a control unit configured to control the
display unit and the input interface unit, wherein the control unit
configured to play a broadcast program, and if a favorites icon
from among the plurality of icons is selected during playback of
the broadcast program, display one or more of a favorites channel
list and a favorites program list.
Inventors: |
Kim; Uniyoung (Seoul,
KR), Lee; Goeun (Seoul, KR), Rhee;
Ryunghwa (Seoul, KR), Kempe; David (Santa Clara,
CA), Weng; Keith (Santa Clara, CA), Zhao; Colin
(Santa Clara, CA), Mapua; Mercedes (Santa Clara, CA),
Behnke; Brian (Santa Clara, CA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LG ELECTRONICS INC. |
Seoul |
N/A |
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
LG ELECTRONICS INC. (Seoul,
KR)
|
Family
ID: |
56564330 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/548,891 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2016 |
PCT
Filed: |
January 28, 2016 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/KR2016/000923 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
August 04, 2017 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO2016/126048 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
August 11, 2016 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20180020259 A1 |
Jan 18, 2018 |
|
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Feb 6, 2015 [KR] |
|
|
10-2015-0018500 |
Feb 12, 2015 [KR] |
|
|
10-2015-0021432 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N
21/475 (20130101); H04N 21/47202 (20130101); H04N
21/4828 (20130101); H04N 21/4722 (20130101); H04N
21/482 (20130101); H04N 21/4227 (20130101); H04N
21/42204 (20130101); H04N 21/4755 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04N
21/475 (20110101); H04N 21/472 (20110101); H04N
21/422 (20110101); H04N 21/482 (20110101); H04N
21/4722 (20110101); H04N 21/4227 (20110101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
101867747 |
|
Oct 2010 |
|
CN |
|
102186118 |
|
Sep 2011 |
|
CN |
|
2244472 |
|
Oct 2010 |
|
EP |
|
2323489 |
|
Sep 1998 |
|
GB |
|
10-2010-0115547 |
|
Oct 2010 |
|
KR |
|
WO 2010/079907 |
|
Jul 2010 |
|
WO |
|
WO 2012/134249 |
|
Dec 2012 |
|
WO |
|
WO 2014/123303 |
|
Aug 2014 |
|
WO |
|
Primary Examiner: Langhnoja; Kunal
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Birch, Stewart, Kolasch &
Birch, LLP
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A display device comprising: a display unit configured to
display a plurality of icons; an input interface unit configured to
receive a request from a remote control device to control the
operation of the display device; and a control unit configured to
control the display unit and the input interface unit, wherein the
control unit is further configured to play a broadcast program, and
if a favorites icon from among the plurality of icons is selected
during playback of the broadcast program, display one or more of a
favorites channel list and a favorites program list, wherein the
control unit is further configured to display the favorites channel
list according to a request to select the favorites icon, wherein
the favorites channel list comprises a plurality of progress bars
indicating a progress state of a program being broadcast on a
corresponding channel, wherein the favorites channel list further
comprises a title of a broadcast program being broadcast on the
corresponding channel, wherein the plurality of progress bars are
simultaneously displayed on the display unit, wherein the control
unit is further configured to: display a favorites program button
for providing the favorites program list if the favorites icon from
among the plurality of icons is selected, display the favorites
program list including a plurality of program icons corresponding
to bookmarked programs according to a selection of the favorites
program button, display a content provider recommendation list if a
program icon among the plurality of program icons is selected, and
wherein the content provider recommendation list includes one or
more content provider capable of providing a program corresponding
to the selected program icon at a lowest price among a plurality of
content providers capable of providing the program corresponding to
the selected program icon, wherein only a content provider
providing the broadcast programs at a highest download or streaming
speed among the one or more content provider providing the
corresponding program is displayed on the content provider
recommendation list, and wherein if the corresponding program is
stored in a storage unit of the display device, the corresponding
broadcast program stored in the storage unit is directly played
back, without displaying the corresponding broadcast program in the
content provider list.
2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the control
unit is further configured to display a program addition item for
adding the broadcast program being played back to the favorites
program list; and a channel addition item for adding a channel of
the broadcast program being played back to the favorites channel
list.
3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the control
unit is further configured to add the broadcast program to the
favorites program list according to a request to select the program
addition item during the playback of the broadcast program.
4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the control
unit is further configured to add the channel of the broadcast
program to the favorites channel list according to a request to
select the channel addition item during the playback of the
broadcast program.
5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the control
unit is further configured to output a favorites list entry button
for entering a favorites list according to reception of a request
to select the favorites icon, and wherein the favorites list entry
button comprises: the favorites program button; and a favorites
channel button for providing the favorites channel list.
6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein a thumbnail
image corresponding to any one of programs included on the
favorites program list is displayed on the favorites program
button.
7. The display device according to claim 5, wherein the favorites
program list further comprises a program addition icon, and wherein
each of the plurality of program icons comprises a thumbnail image
corresponding to a program, and detailed information describing a
program.
8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein the control
unit is further configured to output a search screen for searching
for a program to be added to the favorites program list according
to a request to select the program addition icon.
9. The display device according to claim 5, wherein the favorites
channel list further comprises a channel addition icon, and wherein
each of the plurality of channel icons further comprises a name of
a corresponding channel and a channel number of the corresponding
channel.
10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein the control
unit is further configured to output a search screen for searching
for a channel to be added to the favorites channel list according
to a request to select the channel addition icon.
11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, if a recent
icon is selected from among the plurality of icons, the control
unit is further configured to display information on media content
recently played back.
12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the
information on the media content comprises a thumbnail image
corresponding to the media content recently played back, and
information identifying a source providing the media content.
13. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the control
unit is further configured to display an image card including the
information on the media content and a favorites register icon, and
add the image card to the favorites list according to selection of
the favorites register icon.
14. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, if a scroll
icon is selected from among the plurality of icons, the control
unit is further configured to display content provider icons and
reduce sizes of the plurality of icons having been displayed.
15. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, if a pointer
moving according to movement of the remote control device is
located on a specific icon among the plurality of icons, the
control unit is further configured to display a favorites register
icon, and add the specific icon to the favorites list according to
selection of the favorites register icon.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is the National Phase of PCT International
Application No. PCT/KR2016/000923, filed on Jan. 28, 2016, which
claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a) to Korean Patent Application
No. 10-2015-0018500, filed in the Republic of Korea on Feb. 6,
2015, and to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0021432, filed
in the Republic of Korea on Feb. 12, 2015, all of which are hereby
expressly incorporated by reference into the present
application.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a display device.
BACKGROUND ART
Recently, digital TV services using a wired or wireless
communication network have become common. The digital TV service
can provide various services that could not be provided in an
existing analog broadcast service.
For example, an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), which is a
type of a digital TV service, provides a bi-directional service
that allows a user to actively select a type of a program to be
watched, a watching time, and the like. The IPTV service may
provide various additional services based on the bi-directionality,
for example, Internet browsing, home shopping, online games, and
the like.
Additionally, a channel or a broadcast program list registered as
favorites by a user has recently been provided for a
personalization service of the user.
However, the user has to enter a separate menu screen and confirm
registered favorites and has to enter a separate menu screen so as
to add a broadcast program being currently watched to
favorites.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Technical Problem
The present invention is directed to provide a display device and
an operating method thereof, which allow a user to easily add a
broadcast program or a broadcast program channel to a favorites
list while watching TV.
Additionally, the present invention is directed to provide a
display device and an operating method thereof, which provide a
unique interface screen so as to allow a user to easily access a
list registered as favorites.
The present invention is directed to provide a display device and
an operating method thereof, which are capable of providing various
watching environments to a user by adding a catch-up function
allowing a user to watch previous episodes of a broadcast program
on a favorites list or an electronic program guide.
The present invention is directed to provide a display device and
an operating method thereof, which are capable of providing various
watching environments to a user by providing media content through
a virtual channel, in addition to broadcast programs being
broadcast or scheduled to be broadcast.
Technical Solution
A display device according to an embodiment of the present
invention includes: a display unit configured to display a
plurality of icons; an input interface unit configured to receive a
request from a remote control device to control the operation of
the display device; and a control unit configured to control the
display unit and the input interface unit, wherein the control unit
configured to play a broadcast program, and if a favorites icon
from among the plurality of icons is selected during playback of
the broadcast program, display one or more of a favorites channel
list and a favorites program list.
Advantageous Effects
According to various embodiments of the present invention, there is
an effect that allows a user to easily add a broadcast program or a
broadcast program channel to a favorites list while watching
TV.
Additionally, a user convenience may be improved by providing a
list registered as favorites through a unique interface screen.
According to various embodiments, various watching environments may
be provided to a user by adding a catch-up function allowing a user
to watch previous episodes of a broadcast program on a favorites
list or an electronic program guide.
Additionally, various watching environments may be provided to a
user by providing media content through a virtual channel, in
addition to broadcast programs being broadcast or scheduled to be
broadcast.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a display
device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a remote control device
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 illustrates an actual configuration example of the remote
control device according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 4 illustrates an example of utilizing the remote control
device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an operating method of the display device,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a screen displaying a plurality of
icons during playback of a broadcast program, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a screen which outputs a favorites
list entry button if a favorites icon is selected, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a screen which provides a
favorites channel list if a favorites channel button is selected,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a view for describing information included in each
channel icon according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 10 is a view for describing an embodiment which can be changed
to a corresponding channel if a channel icon is selected, according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 11 and 12 are screens illustrating an example of searching
for a channel to be added to a favorites channel list if a channel
addition icon is selected, according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a screen which provides a
favorites program list if a favorites program button is selected,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a view for describing information included in each
program icon according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
FIGS. 15 to 17 illustrate examples of utilizing information
displayed on a program icon, according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 18 is a view for describing an embodiment that notifies a user
that a program is scheduled to be broadcast or a program is being
broadcast on a program icon of a favorites program list, according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 19 and 20 are views for describing an embodiment that adds a
broadcast program being played back or a channel of the broadcast
program to a favorites list according to a reception of a favorites
addition request.
FIGS. 21 and 22 are views for describing an embodiment which
provides a recently played-back media content list, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a view for describing an embodiment which deletes an
image card on a recent access list, according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
FIG. 24 is a view for describing an embodiment which registers an
image card as favorites on a recent access list.
FIG. 25 is a view for describing an embodiment which changes a
position of an image card included on a recent access list,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 26 is a view for describing an embodiment which further
provides additional content provider icons, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 27 is a view for describing an embodiment which deletes an
icon on a service display region, according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 28 is a view for describing an embodiment which adds an icon
to a favorites list on a service display region, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 29 to 31 are views for describing an embodiment which
provides a favorites list and a recent access list, according to
another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 32 is a flowchart of an operating method of a display device,
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 33 is a view for describing a configuration of an electronic
program guide according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
FIGS. 34 to 36 are views for describing information provided in a
broadcast program region, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 37 is a view for describing information provided if a catch-up
button is selected, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 38 is a view for describing information provided in a
broadcast program region if a catch-up function is not supported in
a broadcast program, according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 39 illustrates an example of detailed information provided if
an information icon is selected in a broadcast program region,
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 40 to 42 are views for describing various embodiments which
may occur if a broadcast program of a previous episode is played
back according to an execution of a catch-up function.
FIGS. 43 to 47 are views for describing an embodiment which outputs
a content provider list capable of providing media content of a
virtual channel, according to various embodiments of the present
invention.
MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Examples of various embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying
drawings and described further below. The suffixes "module" and
"unit" for components used in the description below are assigned or
mixed in consideration of easiness in writing the specification and
do not have distinctive meanings or roles by themselves.
A display device according to an embodiment of the present
invention is, for example, an intelligent display device in which a
computer support function is added to a broadcast reception
function. An Internet function or the like is added to the display
device that fundamentally has the broadcast reception function.
Accordingly, the display device may include an easy-to-use
interface, such as a writing input device, a touch screen, or a
spatial remote control device. With the support of a wired or
wireless Internet function, the display device can connect to the
Internet and computers and perform functions such as e-mail, web
browsing, banking, or games. In order to perform such various
functions, standardized general-purpose OS can be used.
Accordingly, since various applications are freely added or deleted
on a general purpose OS kernel, a display device described herein
can perform various user-friendly functions. More specifically, the
display device may be a network TV, Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV
(HBBTV), smart TV, light-emitting diode (LED) TV, organic
light-emitting diode (OLED) TV, and so on and in some cases, may be
applied to a smartphone.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a display
device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 1, the display device 100 may include a broadcast
reception unit 130, an external device interface unit 135, a
storage unit 140, a user input interface unit 150, a control unit
170, a display unit 180, an audio output unit 185, and a power
supply unit 190.
The broadcast reception unit 130 may include a tuner 131, a
demodulation unit 132, and a network interface unit 133.
The tuner 131 may select a specific broadcast channel according to
a channel selection command. The tuner 131 may receive broadcast
signals for the selected specific broadcast channel.
The demodulation unit 132 may divide the received broadcast signals
into video signals, audio signals, and broadcast program related
data signals and restore the divided video signals, audio signals,
and data signals to an output available form.
The external device interface unit 135 may receive an application
or an application list of an adjacent external device and transfer
the application or the application list to the control unit 170 or
the storage unit 140.
The network interface unit 133 may provide an interface for
connecting the display device 100 to a wired/wireless network
including an Internet network. The network interface unit 133 may
transmit or receive data to or from another user or another
electronic device through an accessed network or another network
linked to the accessed network.
Additionally, the network interface unit 133 may transmit a part of
content data stored in the display device 100 to a user or an
electronic device selected from other users or other electronic
devices preregistered in the display device 100.
The network interface unit 133 may access a predetermined webpage
through an accessed network or another network linked to the
accessed network. That is, the network interface unit 133 may
access the predetermined webpage through the network and transmit
or receive data to or from a corresponding server.
The network interface unit 133 may receive content or data provided
by a content provider or a network operator. That is, the network
interface unit 133 may receive content (e.g., movies,
advertisements, games, VOD, broadcast signals, etc.) and
content-related information provided from the content provider or
the network operator through the network.
Additionally, the network interface unit 133 may receive update
information and update files of firmware provided by the network
operator and may transmit data to the Internet or content provider
or the network operator.
The network interface unit 133 may select and receive a desired
application among applications, which are open to the public,
through the network.
The storage unit 140 may store a program for signal processing and
control in the control unit 170 and may store signal-processed
image, voice, or data signals.
Additionally, the storage unit 140 may perform a function for
temporarily storing images, voices, or data signals input from the
external device interface unit 135 or the network interface unit
133 and may store information on a predetermined image through a
channel storage function.
The storage unit 140 may store an application or an application
list input from the external device interface unit 135 or the
network interface unit 133.
The display device 100 may play back content files (e.g., moving
image files, still image files, music files, document files,
application files, etc.) stored in the storage unit 140 so as to
provide the content files to the user.
The user input interface unit 150 may transfer signals input by the
user to the control unit 170 or may transfer signals from the
control unit 170 to the user. For example, the user input interface
unit 150 may receive and process control signals such as power
on/off, channel selection, or screen setup from the remote control
device 200 or may transmit control signals from the control unit
170 to the remote control device 200, according to various
communication schemes such as Bluetooth, Ultra Wideband (WB),
ZigBee scheme, Radio Frequency (RF) communication scheme, or
infrared (IR) communication scheme.
Additionally, the user input interface unit 150 may transfer, to
the control unit 170, control signals input from local keys (not
shown) such as a power key, a channel key, a volume key, and a
setting key.
Image signals that are image-processed by the control unit 170 may
be input to the display unit 180 and displayed as an image
corresponding to the image signals. Additionally, image signals
that are image-processed by the control unit 170 may be input to an
external output device through the external device interface unit
135.
Voice signals that are processed by the control unit 170 may be
output to the audio output unit 185. Additionally, image signals
that are processed by the control unit 170 may be input to an
external output device through the external device interface unit
135.
In addition, the control unit 170 may control an overall operation
of the display device 100.
On the other hand, the control unit 170 may control the display
device 100 by a user command input through the user input interface
unit 150 or an internal program and may connect to the network to
download an application or an application list desired by the user
into the display device 100.
The control unit 170 may output channel information selected by the
user through the display unit 180 or the audio output unit 185
together with the processed images or voice signals.
Additionally, the control unit 170 may output the image signal or
the voice signal, which is input from the external device (e.g., a
camera or a camcorder) through the external device interface unit
135, to the display unit 180 or the audio output unit 185 according
to an external device image playback command received through the
user input interface unit 150.
On the other hand, the control unit 170 may control the display
unit 180 to display images. For example, the control unit 170 may
control the display unit 180 to display broadcast images input
through the tuner 131, external input images input through the
external device interface unit 135, images input through the
network interface unit, or images stored in the storage unit 140.
In this case, an image displayed on the display unit 180 may be a
still image or video, and may be a 2D image or a 3D image.
Also, the control unit 170 may perform control to play back content
stored in the display device 100, received broadcast content, or
external input content input from the outside. The content may be
various types, such as a broadcast image, an external input image,
an audio file, a still image, a connected web screen, a document
file, and the like
The display unit 180 may generate a driving signal by converting an
image signal, a data signal, or an OSD signal, which is processed
by the control unit 170, or an image signal or a data signal, which
is received by the external device interface unit 135, into R, G,
and B signals.
On the other hand, the display device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is merely
one embodiment of the present invention, and some of the
illustrated elements may be integrated, added, or omitted according
to a specification of the display device 100 to be actually
implemented.
That is, if necessary, two or more elements may be integrated into
one element, or one element may be divided into two or more
elements. Additionally, a function performed by each block is
provided for describing the embodiments of the present invention,
and a specific operation or device thereof does not limit the scope
of the present invention.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the
display device 100 may not include the tuner 131 and the
demodulation unit 132, unlike that illustrated in FIG. 1, and may
receive an image through the network interface unit 133 or the
external device interface unit 135 and play back the received
image.
For example, the display device 100 may be divided into an image
processing device such as a set-top box for receiving a broadcast
signal or content provided by various network services, and a
content playback device for playing back content input from the
video processing device.
In this case, an operating method of the display device according
to an embodiment of the present invention, which will be described
below, may be performed by the display device 100 described above
with reference to FIG. 1, or may be performed by one of the image
processing device such as the set-top box and the content playback
device including the display unit 180 and the audio output unit
185.
Next, the remote control device according to an embodiment of the
present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and
3.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the remote control device according to
an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 illustrates an
actual configuration example of the remote control device 200
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
First, referring to FIG. 2, the remote control device 200 may
include a fingerprint recognition unit 210, a wireless
communication unit 220, a user input unit 230, a sensor unit 240,
an output unit 250, a power supply unit 260, a storage unit 270, a
control unit 280, and a voice acquisition unit 290.
Referring to FIG. 2, the wireless communication unit 225 transmits
a signal to and receives a signal from any one of the display
devices according to the aforementioned embodiments of the present
invention.
The remote control device 200 may include an RF module 221
configured to transmit a signal to and receive a signal from the
display device 100 according to an RF communication standard, and
an IR module 223 configured to transmit a signal to and receive a
signal from the display device 100 according to an IR communication
standard. Also, the remote control device 200 may include a
Bluetooth module 225 configured to transmit a signal to and receive
a signal from the display device 100 according to a Bluetooth
communication standard. Additionally, the remote control device 200
may include a Near Field Communication (NFC) module 227 configured
to transmit and receive a signal to and from the display device 100
according to an NFC communication standard, and a Wireless LAN
(WLAN) module 229 configured to transmit and receive a signal to
and from the display device 100 according to a WLAN communication
standard.
Additionally, the remote control device 200 may transmit signals
containing information on a movement of the remote control device
200 to the display device 100 through the wireless communication
unit 220.
On the other hand, the remote control device 200 may receive a
signal transmitted by the display device 100 through the RF module
221 and, if necessary, may transmit a command for power on/off,
channel change, volume change, or the like to the display device
100 through the IR module 223.
The user input unit 230 may include a keypad, a button, a touch
pad, or a touch screen. The user may manipulate the user input unit
230 to input a command associated with the display device 100 to
the remote control device 200. If the user input unit 230 includes
a hard key button, the user may push the hard key button to input a
command associated with the display device 100 to the remote
control device 200. Details thereof will be described below with
reference to FIG. 3.
Referring to FIG. 3, the remote control device 200 may include a
plurality of buttons. The plurality of buttons may include a
fingerprint recognition button 212, a power button 231, a home
button 232, a live button 233, an external input button 234, a
volume control button 235, a voice recognition button 236, a
channel change button 237, a check button 238, and a back button
239.
The fingerprint recognition button 212 may be a button for
recognizing a user's fingerprint. According to an embodiment, the
fingerprint recognition button 212 may perform a push operation and
receive a push operation and a fingerprint recognition operation.
The power button 231 may be a button for turning on or off the
power of the display device 100. The home button 232 may be a
button for moving to the home screen of the display device 100. The
live button 233 may be a button for displaying a broadcast program
in real time. The external input button 234 may be a button for
receiving an external input connected to the display device 100.
The volume control button 235 may be a button for adjusting a
volume output from the display device 100. The voice recognition
button 236 may be a button for receiving a user's voice and
recognizing the received voice. The channel change button 237 may
be a button for receiving a broadcast signal of a specific
broadcast channel. The check button 238 may be a button for
selecting a specific function and the back button 239 can be a
button for returning to a previous screen.
Again, FIG. 2 is described.
If the user input unit 230 includes a touch screen, a user can
touch a soft key of the touch screen to input a command relating to
the display device 100 to the remote control device 200.
Additionally, the user input unit 230 may include various types of
input means manipulated by a user, for example, a scroll key or a
jog key, and this embodiment does not limit the scope of the
present invention.
The sensor unit 240 may include a gyro sensor 241 or an
acceleration sensor 243, and the gyro sensor 241 may sense
information on a movement of the remote control device 200.
For example, the gyro sensor 241 may sense information on an
operation of the remote control device 200 on the basis of x, y,
and z axes, and the acceleration sensor 243 may sense information
on a movement speed of the remote control device 200. Moreover, the
remote control device 200 may further include a distance
measurement sensor and sense a distance with respect to the display
unit 180 of the display device 100.
The output unit 250 may output image or voice signals in response
to manipulation of the user input unit 235 or image or voice
signals corresponding to signals transmitted from the display
device 100. A user can recognize whether the user input unit 235 is
manipulated or the display device 100 is controlled through the
output unit 250.
For example, the output unit 250 may include an LED module 251 for
flashing, a vibration module 253 for generating vibration, a sound
output module 255 for outputting sound, or a display module 257 for
outputting an image, if the user input unit 235 is manipulated or
signals are transmitted/received to/from the display device 100
through the wireless communication unit 225.
Additionally, the power supply unit 260 supplies power to the
remote control device 200 and, if the remote control device 200
does not move for a predetermined time, stops supplying power, so
that power waste can be reduced. The power supply unit 260 may
resume the power supply if a predetermined key provided at the
remote control device 200 is manipulated.
The storage unit 270 may store various types of programs and
application data necessary for control or operation of the remote
control device 200. If the remote control device 200
transmits/receives signals wirelessly through the display device
100 and the RF module 221, the remote control device 200 and the
display device 100 transmits/receives signals through a
predetermined frequency band.
The control unit 280 of the remote control device 200 may store, in
the storage unit 270, information on a frequency band for
transmitting/receiving signals wirelessly to/from the display
device 100 paired with the remote control device 200 and refer to
the information.
The control unit 280 controls general matters relating to control
of the remote control device 200. The control unit 280 may transmit
a signal corresponding to a predetermined key manipulation of the
user input unit 235 or a signal corresponding to a movement of the
remote control device 200 sensed by the sensor unit 240 to the
display device 100 through the wireless communication unit 225.
Additionally, the voice acquisition unit 290 of the remote control
device 200 may obtain voice.
The voice acquisition unit 290 may include at least one microphone
291 and acquire voice through the microphone 291.
Next, FIG. 4 is described.
FIG. 4 illustrates an example of utilizing the remote control
device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4(a) illustrates an example in which a pointer 205
corresponding to the remote control device 200 is displayed on the
display unit 180.
A user can move or rotate the remote control device 200 vertically
or horizontally. The pointer 205 displayed on the display unit 180
of the display device 100 corresponds to a movement of the remote
control device 200. Since the corresponding pointer 205 is moved
and displayed according to a movement on a 3D space as show in the
drawing, the remote control device 200 may also be referred to as a
spatial remote control device.
FIG. 4(b) illustrates an example in which if a user moves the
remote control device 200 to the left, the pointer 205 displayed on
the display unit 180 of the display device 100 is also moved to the
left according to the movement of the remote control device
200.
Information on the movement of the remote control device 200
detected through a sensor of the remote control device 200 is
transmitted to the display device 100. The display device 100 may
calculate the coordinates of the pointer 205 from the information
on the movement of the remote control device 200. The display
device 100 may display the pointer 205 to match the calculated
coordinates.
FIG. 4(c) illustrates an example in which while a specific button
in the remote control device 200 is pressed, a user moves the
remote control device 200 away from the display unit 180. Due to
this, a selection area in the display unit 180 corresponding to the
pointer 205 may be zoomed in and displayed larger.
On the contrary, if a user moves the remote control device 200 in a
direction closer to the display unit 180, a selection area in the
display unit 180 corresponding to the pointer 205 may be zoomed out
and displayed in a reduced size.
On the other hand, if the remote control device 200 is moved away
from the display unit 180, a selection area may be zoomed out and
if the remote control device 200 is moved closer to the display
unit 180, a selection area may be zoomed in.
Additionally, if a specific button in the remote control device 200
is pressed, recognition of a vertical or horizontal movement may be
excluded. That is, if the remote control device 200 is moved away
from or closer to the display unit 180, the up, down, left, or
right movement may not be recognized and only the back and forth
movement may be recognized. While a specific button in the remote
control device 200 is not pressed, only the pointer 205 is moved
according to the up, down, left or right movement of the remote
control device 200.
Moreover, the moving speed or moving direction of the pointer 205
may correspond to the moving speed or moving direction of the
remote control device 200.
On the other hand, the pointer in this specification means an
object displayed on the display unit 180 in response to the
operation of the remote control device 200. Accordingly, besides an
arrow form displayed as the pointer 205 in the drawing, various
forms of objects are possible. For example, the above concept
includes a point, a cursor, a prompt, and a thick outline. The
pointer 205 may be displayed in correspondence to one point of a
horizontal axis and a vertical axis on the display unit 180 and
also can be displayed in correspondence to a plurality of points
such as a line and a surface.
Next, the operating method of the display device 100, according to
an embodiment of the present invention, will be described with
reference to FIG. 5.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an operating method of the display device,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The control unit 170 of the display device 100 plays back a
broadcast program (S101). The control unit 170 may output the
broadcast program through the display unit 180.
The control unit 170 of the display device 100 checks whether a
request for outputting a plurality of icons during the playback of
the broadcast program is received (S103), and outputs the plurality
of icons according to the received request if the request for
outputting the plurality of icons is received (S105).
The plurality of icons according to an embodiment may include an
icon including information on a recently watched broadcast program,
an icon indicating a content provider providing media content, an
icon indicating an external device connected to the display device
100 or an external input, and a favorites icon providing a
favorites list.
In an embodiment, the request for outputting the plurality of icons
may be received from the remote control device 200. That is, if a
command of selecting the home button 232 provided in the remote
control device 200 is requested, the remote control device 200 may
transmit a request to select the home button 232 to the display
device 100. The display device 100 may output the plurality of
icons according to the request received from the remote control
device 200.
Operations S103 to S105 will be described in detail below.
FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a screen displaying a plurality of
icons during playback of a broadcast program, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 6, a screen 300 displayed through the display unit 180 may
be referred to as a main screen. The main screen may be a screen
initially displayed after a booting of the display device 100 is
completed. The plurality of icons included in a service display
region 320 displayed on the main screen may be displayed according
to the command received from the remote control device 200.
The control unit 170 may output the plurality of icons according to
the request to output the plurality of icons during the playback of
the broadcast program. The request to output the plurality of icons
may be an output command received from the remote control device
200 according to an input of selecting the home button 232 of the
remote control device 200.
Referring to FIG. 6, the screen 300 of the display device 100 may
include a broadcast program display region 310 which is a region
where the broadcast program is played back, and a service display
region 320 which is a region where the plurality of icons are
displayed. The broadcast program display region 310 may be an
entire region of the screen 300, and the service display region 320
may be a partial region of the screen 300. The service display
region 320 may be displayed to overlap the broadcast program
display region 310.
The service display region 320 may include a recent playback icon
321 including information on latest played-back media content, a
content provider icon 322 indicating a content provider providing
media content via a network, an external input icon 323 indicating
an external input port, and a favorites icon 324 for providing a
favorites list.
The recent playback icon 21 may include information on the media
content most recently played back in the display device 100. For
example, if the media content is a broadcast program, one or more
of a thumbnail image of the broadcast program, a title of the
broadcast program, a channel number of the broadcast program, and a
name of a broadcasting company providing the broadcast program may
be displayed on the recent playback icon 321. In an embodiment, the
recent playback icon 321 may be displayed if the broadcast program
is played back through the display device 180 for more than a
predetermined time.
A name of the content provider and an image identifying the content
provider may be displayed on the content provider icon 322. The
content provider icon 322 may be an icon corresponding to an
application which provides an access to the content provider
providing the media content.
A name (for example, HDMI 1) of a most recently connected external
input or a thumbnail image of media content played back through the
most recently connected external input may be displayed on the
external input icon 323.
An identifier indicating favorites may be displayed on the
favorites icon 324. The favorites icon 324 may or may not be
included in the service display region 320 according to setting. If
the favorites icon 324 is not included in the service display
region 320, the control unit 170 may receive an input of a specific
key button provided in the remote control device 300 and display
the favorites icon 324 in the service display region 320.
In an embodiment, the plurality of icons arranged in the service
display region 320 may be icons set by a manufacturer of the
display device 100.
In another embodiment, the plurality of icons displayed in the
service display region 320 may be differently arranged according to
a setting input of a user. The user may change the arrangement of
the plurality of icons included in the service display region
320.
Again, FIG. 5 is described.
The control unit 170 of the display device 100 receives a request
to select the favorites icon from among the plurality of icons
(S107), and outputs a favorites list entry button for entering the
favorites list according to the received request (S109).
Operations S107 and S109 will be described with reference to FIG.
7.
FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a screen in which a favorites list
entry button is output if a favorites icon is selected, according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 6, if the favorites icon 324 is selected, the control unit
170 may display the favorites list entry button 330 at a position
where the favorites icon 324 has been displayed, without displaying
the favorites icon 324 through the display unit 180. The favorites
list entry button 330 may include a favorites channel button 331
for providing the bookmarked channel list, a favorites program
button 333 for providing a bookmarked broadcast program list, and a
close button 335 for closing the favorites list entry button
330.
A thumbnail image corresponding to a specific broadcast program
among the bookmarked broadcast programs may be displayed on the
favorites program button 333. The specific broadcast program may be
a most recently bookmarked broadcast program, but is merely an
example.
If the close button 335 is selected, the control unit 170 may
control the display unit 180 to display the favorites icon 324, as
shown in FIG. 6, without displaying the favorites list entry button
330.
Again, FIG. 5 is described.
The control unit 170 of the display device 100 receives a request
to select the output favorites list entry button (S111), and
outputs a favorites list according to the received request
(S113).
In an embodiment, the request to select the favorites list entry
button 330 may be a request to select one of the favorites channel
button 331 and the favorites program button 333.
In another embodiment, the remote control device 200 may further
include a favorites list button (not shown), and if the favorites
list button (not shown) is selected, the display device 100 may
directly output the favorites list according to a command received
from the remote control device 200.
Operation S113 will be described below in detail.
FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a screen which provides a
favorites channel list if a favorites channel button is selected,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 8, the control unit 170 may output the favorites
channel list 340 according to a request to select the favorites
channel button 331. The control unit 170 may receive the request to
select the favorites channel button 331 through the pointer 205
moving according to the movement of the remote control device
200.
The favorites channel list 340 may be displayed on the broadcast
program display region 310. The favorites channel list 340 may
include at least one channel icon including information on the
bookmarked channels and a channel addition icon for adding a
channel as favorites. The channel addition icon will be described
below. A scroll button (not shown) may be displayed on the screen
300, and the user may view more favorites channels through the
scroll button. The user may easily confirm the information on the
channels registered by the user as favorites through the favorites
channel list 340.
In an embodiment, a catch-up icon (not shown) may be further
displayed on one side of each channel icon or within each channel
icon. The catch-up icon may be an icon for providing information on
a broadcast program corresponding to a previous episode of a
broadcast program provided on a corresponding channel. Embodiments
described below with reference to FIGS. 32 to 42 will be applied to
the catch-up icon.
Information on the corresponding channel may be displayed on each
channel icon. This will be described below with reference to FIG.
9.
FIG. 9 is a view for describing information included in each
channel icon according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
Referring to FIG. 9, the channel icon 341 included in the favorites
channel list 340 may include a channel logo 341a for identifying
the channel, a progress bar 341b indicating a progress state of a
program being broadcast on a corresponding channel, a channel
number 341c, and a program title 341d being broadcast on the
corresponding channel. The channel logo 341a may include a name of
a broadcasting company providing the channel.
In an embodiment, if the channel icon 341 is selected, the control
unit 170 may change a current channel to a channel corresponding to
the selected channel icon 341. This will be described below with
reference to FIG. 10.
FIG. 10 is a view for describing an embodiment which can be changed
to a corresponding channel if a channel icon is selected, according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 10, the control unit 170 may change the current
channel to the channel corresponding to the selected channel icon
341 according to the request to select the channel icon 341
included in the favorites channel list 340. Accordingly, a
broadcast program provided on the changed channel may be displayed
in the broadcast program display region 310.
The user can easily change the channels through real-time broadcast
information on the channels previously registered as favorites.
Next, FIGS. 11 and 12 are described.
FIGS. 11 and 12 are screens illustrating an example of searching
for a channel to be added to a favorites channel list if a channel
addition icon is selected, according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
Referring to FIG. 11, the favorites channel list 340 may further
include a channel addition icon 349. If the channel addition icon
349 is selected, the control unit 170 may control the display unit
180 to display a channel search screen 400 for searching for a
channel to be added to the favorites channel list 340.
The channel search screen 400 may include a channel search tab 410,
a recommended channel list 420, and a keypad 430. The channel
search tab 410 may be a tab for displaying a channel search word
input through the keypad 430. The recommended channel list 420 may
be a list of channels recommended to the user. The keypad 430 may
include buttons for inputting a search word so as to display a
search word on the channel search tab 410. If one or more of the
channels included on the recommended channel list 420 are selected,
the control unit 170 may add the selected channels to the favorites
channel list 340.
If a search word <CN> is input to the channel search tab 410
and a channel search request is received, the control unit 170 may
control the display unit 180 to display a channel search result
list 460 based on the search word <CN> on the screen 400.
If two channels 461 and 463 are selected from the channels included
in the channel search result list 460 and a favorites register
button 470 is selected, the control unit 170 may add the selected
two channels 461 and 463 to the favorites channel list 340.
Next, FIG. 13 is described.
FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a screen which provides a
favorites program list if a favorites program button is selected,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 13, the control unit 170 may output the favorites
program list 350 on the entire region of the screen 300 according
to a request to select the favorites program button 333. The
control unit 170 may receive the request to select the favorites
program button 333 through the pointer 205 moving according to the
movement of the remote control device 200.
The favorites program list 350 may include information on programs
registered as favorites. The favorites program list 350 may include
a plurality of program icons 351, 352, and 353 corresponding to the
programs registered as favorites and a program addition icon 355.
The plurality of program icons 351, 352, and 353 may correspond to
a plurality of broadcast programs registered as favorites,
respectively. The plurality of program icons 351, 352, and 353 may
include thumbnail images of the programs, respectively. The program
addition icon 353 may be an icon for adding the broadcast program
to the favorites program list 350. A scroll button (not shown) may
be displayed on the screen 300, and the user may view more programs
registered as favorites through the scroll button.
The display device 100 may display the favorites program list 350
in an entire region of the screen 300 and shows a thumbnail image
as a background, thereby providing a sense of immersion and
convenience to the user.
The user may easily confirm the information on the programs
registered by the user as favorites through the favorites program
list 350.
In an embodiment, a catch-up icon (not shown) may be further
displayed on one side of each program icon or within each program
icon. The catch-up icon may be an icon for providing information on
a broadcast program corresponding to a previous episode of a
broadcast program registered as favorites. Embodiments described
below with reference to FIGS. 32 to 42 will be applied to the
catch-up icon.
Information on the corresponding program may be displayed on each
program icon. This will be described below with reference to FIG.
14.
FIG. 14 is a view for describing information included in each
program icon according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
In an embodiment, if the pointer 205 is located on the program icon
351, the corresponding program icon 351 is highlighted and the
information on the broadcast program corresponding to the
corresponding program icon 351 may be output on the program icon
351.
Referring to FIG. 14, the information output on the program icon
351 may include a thumbnail image 351a, a playback button 351b,
episode information 351c, and an episode change button 351d.
The thumbnail image 351a may be a thumbnail image corresponding to
the corresponding broadcast program. In an embodiment, the
thumbnail image may include a major character appearing in the
corresponding broadcast program. The control unit 170 may recognize
a face of the major character included in the thumbnail image, and
may control the arrangement of the thumbnail so that the face of
the major character is located at the center of the program icon
351 based on the recognition result.
The playback button 351b may be a button for providing episodes of
the corresponding broadcast program. If the playback button 351b is
selected, the control unit 170 may display a content provider list
capable of providing episodes of the corresponding broadcast
program. This will be described below.
The episode information 351c may include a title of the broadcast
program, a broadcasting time of the broadcast program, and a
synopsis.
The episode change button 351d may be a button for providing
information on broadcast programs of other episodes.
Next, an embodiment which utilizes information on the program icon
will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17.
FIGS. 15 to 17 illustrate examples of utilizing information
displayed on the program icon, according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
First, referring to FIG. 15, the control unit 170 may control the
display unit 180 to display a content provider recommendation list
370 capable of providing the corresponding program according to the
reception of the request to select the playback button 351b on the
program icon 351 included in the favorites program list 350. The
content provider recommendation list 370 may include information on
names of a plurality of content providers and costs involved in
providing the corresponding broadcast program by each content
provider.
In an embodiment, the display device 100 may display, on the
content provider recommendation list 370, only content providers
capable of providing the broadcast programs at the lowest price
among the plurality of content providers capable of providing the
corresponding programs.
In another embodiment, the display device 100 may display, on the
content provider recommendation list 370, only content providers
capable of providing the broadcast programs at the highest speed
among the plurality of content providers capable of providing the
corresponding programs.
In further another embodiment, if the corresponding broadcast
program is stored in the storage unit 140 of the display device
100, the corresponding broadcast program stored in the storage unit
140 may be directly played back, without displaying the content
provider list 370.
In still further another embodiment, if the corresponding broadcast
program is stored in a peripheral device connected to the display
device 100, the corresponding broadcast program stored in the
peripheral device may be directly played back, without displaying
the content provider list 370.
Next, FIG. 16 is described.
Referring to FIG. 16, the control unit 170 may enlarge the size of
the program icon 351 according to the reception of the request to
select the episode change button 351d on the program icon 351
included in the favorites program list 350. The control unit 170
may display detailed information 351e of the corresponding
broadcast program and an episode change tab 351f for episode change
on the program icon 351, while enlarging the size of the program
icon 351.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the
episode change tab 351f may be substituted with the catch-up icon
described below.
The user may easily obtain information on the corresponding program
and information on programs of other episodes.
Next, FIG. 17 is described.
FIG. 17 is a screen showing an example of searching for a program
to be added to a favorites program list if a program addition icon
is selected, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
Referring to FIG. 17, the favorites program list 350 may further
include a program addition icon 355. The program addition icon 355
may be located at the front or rear on the favorites program list
350. If the channel addition icon 355 is selected through the
pointer 205, the control unit 170 may control the display unit 180
to display a program search screen 500 for searching for a program
to be added to the favorites program list 350.
The program search screen 500 may include a program search tab 410,
a recommended program list 420, and a keypad (not shown). The
program search tab 410 may be a tab for displaying a program search
word input through the keypad provided in the remote control device
200 or the keypad (not shown) displayed on the program search
screen 500. The recommended program list 420 may be a list of
programs recommended to the user. If one or more of the programs
included on the recommended program list 420 are selected, the
control unit 170 may add the selected one or more programs to the
favorites program list 350. The keypad (not shown) may be identical
to the keypad 430 shown in FIG. 11.
Next, FIG. 18 is described.
FIG. 18 is a view for describing an embodiment that notifies a user
that a program is scheduled to be broadcast or a program is being
broadcast on a program icon of a favorites program list, according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 18, if the program corresponding to the program
icon 352 included in the favorites program list 350 is to be
broadcast or is being broadcast, the control unit 170 may control
the display unit 180 to display a message window 371 on the program
icon 352 so as to notify that the program is scheduled to be
broadcast or is being broadcast. If the message window 371 is
selected, the control unit 170 may tune a channel to a channel of a
program scheduled to be broadcast or a program being broadcast and
play back the program provided in the tuned channel.
The user may check the program scheduled to be broadcast or being
broadcast through the favorites program list and easily watch the
corresponding program.
Again, FIG. 5 is described.
On the other hand, the control unit 170 of the display device 100
checks whether a favorites addition request during the playback of
the broadcast program is received (S115), and, if the favorites
addition request is received, adds the broadcast program being
played back or the channel of the broadcast program according to
the received request (S117).
In an embodiment, the favorites addition request may be a request
for adding the channel of the broadcast program being currently
played back to the favorites channel list.
In another embodiment, the favorites addition request may be a
request for adding the broadcast program being currently played
back to the favorites program list. Operations S115 to S117 will be
described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20.
FIGS. 19 and 20 are views for describing an embodiment that adds a
broadcast program being played back or a channel of the broadcast
program to a favorites list according to a reception of a favorites
addition request.
First, referring to FIG. 19, a program addition item 381 and a
channel addition item 383 may be displayed in the broadcast program
display region 320 on the screen 300 of the display device 100. The
program addition item 381 and the channel addition item 383 may be
displayed adjacent to the title of the broadcast program being
currently played back and the title of the channel. If the program
addition item 381 is selected, the control unit 170 may add the
broadcast program being currently played back to the favorites
program list. If the program addition item 381 is selected, the
control unit 170 may add the broadcast program being currently
played back to the favorites program list and simultaneously
display a thumbnail image corresponding to the added broadcast
program on the favorites program button 333. In this manner, the
user can easily confirm that the broadcast program being watched is
added to the favorites program list. Additionally, the user may
confirm the generation of the program addition icon corresponding
to the program added to the favorites program list by selecting the
favorites program button 333.
Additionally, if the program addition item 381 is selected, the
control unit 170 may display a program addition notification
message window 391, which notifies the addition of the broadcast
program being watched to the favorites program list, on the
broadcast program display region 310 for a predetermined time.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the
remote control device 200 may include a program add button (not
shown). The display device 100 may receive a command corresponding
to an input of selecting the program add button of the remote
control device 200, and add a broadcast program being currently
played back to the favorites program list according to the received
command.
On the other hand, if the channel addition item 383 is selected,
the control unit 170 may add the channel of the broadcast program
being currently played back to the favorites channel list. This
will be described below with reference to FIG. 20.
Referring to FIG. 20, if the channel addition item 383 is selected,
the control unit 170 may add the channel of the broadcast program
being currently played back to the favorites channel list. If the
program addition item 383 is selected, the control unit 170 may add
the channel of the broadcast program being currently played back to
the favorites program list and simultaneously display the name of
the added channel on the favorites channel button 331. In this
manner, the user can easily confirm that the channel of the
broadcast program being watched is added to the favorites channel
list. Additionally, the user may confirm the generation of the
channel addition icon corresponding to the channel added to the
favorites channel list by selecting the favorites channel button
331.
Additionally, if the channel addition item 383 is selected, the
control unit 170 may display a channel addition notification
message window 393, which notifies the addition of the channel of
the broadcast program being watched to the favorites channel list,
on the broadcast program display region 310 for a predetermined
time.
According to further another embodiment of the present invention,
the remote control device 200 may include a channel add button (not
shown). The display device 100 may receive a command corresponding
to an input of selecting the channel add button of the remote
control device 200, and add a channel of a broadcast program being
currently played back to the favorites channel list according to
the received command.
According to still further another embodiment of the present
invention, a favorites addition item (not shown) for simultaneously
adding a broadcast program being currently played back and a
channel of the broadcast program to the favorites list may be
further displayed in the broadcast program display region 310. If
the favorites addition item is selected, the control unit 170 may
add the broadcast program being currently played back to the
favorites program list and add the channel of the broadcast program
being currently played back to the favorites channel list.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, if media
content stored in a peripheral device connected to the display
device 100 is played back in the display device 100, the display
device 100 may add the media content being played back to the
favorites list. That is, if the media content stored in the
peripheral device is played back in the broadcast program display
region 310, a content addition item (not shown) may be further
displayed. If the content addition item is selected, the control
unit 170 may add the media content being played back to the
favorites content list. As another example, then the content
addition item is selected, the control unit 170 may add the media
content being played back to the favorites program list instead of
the favorites content list.
According to further another embodiment of the present invention,
the display device 100 may provide the favorites list corresponding
to each user. The display device 100 may identify a user by
receiving user information and provide a favorites list
corresponding to the identified user. In an embodiment, the display
device 100 may further include a camera and identify a user by
using an image of the user captured through the camera. In another
embodiment, the display device 100 may be connected to a mobile
terminal (smart phone or smart pad) of a user through short-range
wireless communication and may identify the mobile terminal of the
user. In another embodiment, the display device 100 may identify a
user by using fingerprint information of the user which is received
through the fingerprint recognition unit 210 provided in the remote
control device 200.
The display device 100 may provide the favorites list corresponding
to the identified user, specifically, the favorites program list
and the favorites channel list.
Next, FIGS. 21 and 22 are described.
FIGS. 21 and 22 are views for describing an embodiment which
provides a recently played-back media content list, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 21, as compared with FIG. 6, a recent icon 325
and a scroll icon 327 are further added to the service display
region 320. The other contents are identical to those described
with reference to FIG. 6.
The recent icon 325 may be an icon for providing information on the
media content recently played back in the display device 100 and
information on a source providing the played-back media content.
The scroll icon 327 may be an icon for further displaying content
provider icons indicating content providers. This will be described
below.
Referring to FIG. 22, if a request to select the recent icon 325 is
selected through the pointer 205, the control unit 170 may control
the display unit 180 to display a recent access list 360 on the
screen 300.
As another example, the recent access list 360 may be displayed on
the screen 300 through the remote control device 200, without
displaying the recent icon 325. Specifically, the remote control
device 200 may include a specific button for providing the recent
access list 360. If the specific button is selected (or selected
for a preset time), the control unit 170 may output the recent
access list 360 according to a command for outputting the recent
access list which is received from the remote control device 200,
as shown in FIG. 22.
The recent access list 360 may include a plurality of image cards
361 to 365 including information on the recently played-back media
content. The plurality of image cards 361 to 365 may be arranged in
recently played-backed order. For example, the first image 361 is a
card corresponding to the most recently played-back media content,
and the second image card 362, the third image card 363, the fourth
image card 364, and the fifth image card 365 may be followed.
Each image card may correspond to the media content recently played
back in the display device 100. A thumbnail image corresponding to
the recently played-back media content and a name of a content
source identifying a source providing the media content may be
displayed on each image card. Each image card may be included in
the recent access list 360 only if the corresponding media content
is played back for more than a predetermined time.
The first mage card 361 may include a thumbnail image corresponding
to media content provided in an HDMI 1 port, a name (HDMI 1) of an
external input port, and a name (player) of a terminal connected to
the external input port. Here, the terminal may be any one of DVR,
DVD, a game machine, and a Blu-ray player.
The second mage card 362 may include one or more of a thumbnail
image corresponding to media content provided from a content
provider corresponding to a recently played-back application, a
name (Netflix) of the content provider, and a title (love) of the
media content.
The third image card 363 may include a thumbnail image
corresponding to media content provided in a PC through a Wireless
Display (WIDI) and a name PC1 of a content source. The third image
card 363 may further include information on the communication
standard WIDI as well as the name PC1 of the content source.
The fourth image card 364 may include a thumbnail image
corresponding to media content provided in a mobile terminal such
as a smart phone through screen mirroring and a name phone1 of a
content source. The fourth image card 364 may further include
information on a screen mirroring technology called miracast as
well as the name phone1 of the content source.
The fifth image card 365 may include a thumbnail image
corresponding to media content stored in a USB storage medium and a
name storage1 of a content source. The fifth image card 365 may
further include information on the communication standard USB as
well as the name storage1 of the content source.
On the other hand, the recent access list 360 may also include an
image card for a recently watched broadcast program. If a broadcast
program is played back for more than a predetermined time, the
control unit 170 may include an image card including information on
the broadcast program to the recent access list 360. In this case,
the information on the broadcast program may include one or more of
a thumbnail image of the broadcast program, a title of the
broadcast program, a broadcasting company, and a channel number of
the broadcast program. If the image card for the recently watched
broadcast program is included in the recent access list 360, a
catch-up icon (not shown) may be further included within the
corresponding image card or on one side of the corresponding image
card. The catch-up icon may be an icon for providing information on
a broadcast program corresponding to a previous episode of a
broadcast program provided on a corresponding channel. Embodiments
described below with reference to FIGS. 32 to 42 will be applied to
the catch-up icon.
If one of the image cards is selected on the recent access list
360, the control unit 170 may play back media content corresponding
to the image card.
On the other hand, if a return button 369 is selected, it is
possible to return to a previous screen.
Next, FIGS. 23 and 24 are described.
FIG. 23 is a view for describing an embodiment which deletes an
image card on a recent access list, according to an embodiment of
the present invention, and FIG. 24 is a view for describing an
embodiment which registers an image card as favorites on a recent
access list.
If the pointer 205 is located on the first image card 361, the
control unit 170 may control the display unit 180 to display a
delete icon 366 and a favorites register icon 367 on one side of
the first image card 361. The delete icon 366 may be an icon for
deleting a corresponding image card on the recent access list 360.
The favorites register icon 367 may be an icon for adding a
corresponding image card to the favorites list on the recent access
list 360. Referring to FIG. 23, if the delete icon 366 disposed
above the first image card 361 is selected, the control unit 170
may delete the first image card 361 from the recent access list
360.
Referring to FIG. 24, if the favorites register icon 367 disposed
above the first image card 361 is selected, the control unit 170
may add the first image card 361 included in the recent access list
360 to the favorites list. The control unit 170 may add the first
image card 361 to the favorites list and simultaneously display a
message window 392, which notifies the addition of the first image
card 361 to the favorites list, on the screen 300.
The favorites list may be output through entry of a separate menu
screen or may be output through an input of a specific button
provided in the remote control device 200.
Next, FIG. 25 is described.
FIG. 25 is a view for describing an embodiment which changes a
position of an image card included on a recent access list,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 25, if the pointer 205 is located on the third
image card 363 and an input of selecting the third image card 363
is received through the remote control device 200 for more than a
predetermined time, the control unit 170 may make a position of the
third image card 363 movable. For example, if the third image card
363 is selected for more than a preset time and an input of moving
the third image card 363 to a region where the first image card 361
is located is received, the control unit 170 may change the
arrangement of the third image card 363 and the first image card
361. That is, the user can arrange its preferred image card to a
desired position.
Next, FIG. 26 is described.
FIG. 26 is a view for describing an embodiment which further
provides additional content provider icons, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 26, if the scroll icon 327 is selected through
the pointer 205, the control unit 170 may additionally display the
content provider icons 328 on the service display region 320.
Accordingly, the sizes of the content provider icons included in
the existing service display region 320 may be reduced. On the
other hand, if a return button 329 is selected, it is possible to
return to a previous screen.
Like the change of the arrangement of the image cards described
with reference to FIG. 25, the arranged order of the plurality of
icons may be changed by using the pointer 205.
Next, FIGS. 27 and 28 are described.
FIG. 27 is a view for describing an embodiment which deletes an
icon on the service display region 320, according to an embodiment
of the present invention, and FIG. 28 is a view for describing an
embodiment which adds an icon to a favorites list on the service
display region 320, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
Referring to FIG. 27, if the pointer 205 is located on the content
provider icon 322, the control unit 170 may control the display
unit 180 to display the delete icon 366 and the favorites register
icon 367 on one side of the content provider icon 322. The delete
icon 366 may be an icon for deleting a corresponding icon on the
service display region 320. The favorites register icon 367 may be
an icon for adding a corresponding icon to the favorites list on
the service display region 320.
Referring to FIG. 27, if the delete icon 366 disposed above the
content provider icon 322 is selected, the control unit 170 may
delete the content provider icon 322 in the service display region
320.
Referring to FIG. 28, if the favorites register icon 367 disposed
above the content provider icon 322 is selected, the control unit
170 may add the content provider icon 322 to the favorites list.
The control unit 170 may add the content provider icon 322 to the
favorites list and simultaneously display a message window 394,
which notifies the addition of the content provider icon 322 to the
favorites list, on the screen 300.
The favorites list may be output through entry of a separate menu
screen or may be output through an input of a specific button
provided in the remote control device 200.
An embodiment which provides a favorites list and a recent access
list, according to another embodiment of the present invention,
will be described with reference to FIGS. 29 to 31.
Referring to FIG. 29, the control unit 170 may display a favorites
card 810, a recent access card 830, and a basic service list 850 on
the service display region 320 according to a request to output
cards and a list during playback of a broadcast program. In an
embodiment, the favorites card 810 may be disposed at the leftmost
of the service display region 320, and the recent access card and
the basic service list 850 may be followed. However, this is merely
an example, and the position of the card may be changed through the
pointer.
The favorites card 810 may include at least one content item. Each
content item may include any one of information on an application
registered as favorites, information on a broadcast program
registered as favorites, information on media content registered as
favorites, and information on a channel registered as favorites.
The favorites card 810 may include the broadcast program added as
favorites in the embodiment of FIG. 19 and the channel added as
favorites in the embodiment of FIG. 20. Additionally, the favorites
card 810 may include the first image card 361 added as favorites in
the embodiment of FIG. 24 and the content provider icon 322 added
as favorites in the embodiment of FIG. 28.
A name <Favorite> identifying the favorites card 810 may be
displayed on one side of the favorites card 810. The favorites card
810 includes four content items, but this is merely an example. The
four content items included in the favorites card 810 may be four
items located at the leftmost among content items arranged on the
favorites list 811 described below.
The recent access card 830 may include at least one content item.
Each content item may include any one of information on recently
played-back media content, information on a recently executed
application, information on a recently played-back broadcast
program, and information on a recently played-back channel. The
recent access card 830 may include the image cards described in the
embodiment of FIG. 22.
A name <Recent> identifying the recent access card 830 may be
displayed on one side of the recent access card 830. The recent
access card 830 includes four content items, but this is merely an
example. The four content items included in the recent access card
830 may be four items located at the leftmost among content items
arranged on the recent access list 831 described below. In another
example, the recent access card 830 may be four items accessed most
recently.
The basic service list 850 may include a plurality of icons. Each
icon may include an icon corresponding to a content provider
providing content via a network, an icon for setting the function
of the display device 100, and a search icon for searching for
media content or applications.
In the state of FIG. 29, if a request to select the favorites card
810 is received, the control unit 170 may control the display unit
180 to display the favorites list 811 including a plurality of
content items belonging to the favorites card 810, as shown in FIG.
30. Simultaneously, the control unit 170 may move the position of
the recent access card 830 to the leftmost of the service display
region 320. Simultaneously, the control unit 170 may change the
basic service list 850 to the basic service card 851 and arrange
the basic service card 851 to follow the recent access card 830.
Simultaneously, the control unit 170 may change the favorites card
810 to the favorites list 851 and arrange the favorites list 811 to
follow the basic service card 851. The basic service card 851 may
include only four content items among content items included in the
basic service list 850, but this is merely an example.
The favorites list 811 may include more content items than the
content items included in the favorites card 810.
One or more of the name (HDMI 1) of the external input, the name
(player) of the peripheral device connected to the external input,
and the thumbnail image of the media content played back through
the external input may be displayed on the first content item 811a.
The first content item 811a may be the first image card added as
favorites in the embodiment of FIG. 24.
One or more of the channel of the broadcast channel, the
broadcasting company, and the thumbnail image of the broadcast
program may be displayed on the second content image 811b.
One or more of the name of the application (or the name of the
content provider), the title (love) of the media content played
back through the application, and the thumbnail image of the media
content may be displayed on the third content item 811c.
The fourth content item 811d may be the content provider icon added
as favorites in the embodiment of FIG. 28.
The fifth item 811e may include on the channel added as favorites
in the embodiment of FIG. 20. The fifth content item 811e may be
the channel icon in FIGS. 8 and 9.
One or more of the name (phone 2) of the peripheral device
connected to the display device 100 by wireless or wire and the
thumbnail image of the media content stored in the peripheral
device and played back by the display device 100 may be displayed
on the sixth content item 811f. In one example, the media content
may be content played back through the screen mirroring
technology.
The plurality of content items 811a to 811f included in the
favorites list 811 may be arranged according to time points if they
have been registered as favorites. That is, the first content item
811a may be an icon most recently registered as favorites, and the
sixth content item 811f may be an item registered last as
favorites. The position of each content item may be changed
according to the setting of the user. An example of changing the
position of the content item may be identical to the method of
changing the position of the image card as described with reference
to FIG. 25.
On the other hand, in the state of FIG. 30, if a request to select
the recent access card 830 is received, the control unit 170 may
control the display unit 180 to display the recent access list 831
including a plurality of content items belonging to the recent
access card 830, as shown in FIG. 31. Simultaneously, the control
unit 170 may move the position of the basic service card 851 to the
leftmost of the service display region 320. Simultaneously, the
control unit 170 may change the favorites list 811 to the favorites
card 810 and arrange the favorites card 810 to follow the basic
service card 851. Simultaneously, the control unit 170 may change
the recent access card 830 to the recent access list 831 to follow
the favorites card 810.
The recent access list 831 may include more content items than the
content items included in the recent access card 830. The recent
access list 831 may be identical to the recent access list 360
described with reference to FIGS. 22 to 25, and the embodiments of
FIGS. 22 to 25 may be applied thereto. That is, the content items
included in the recent access list 831 may be added to the
favorites card 810 through the favorites addition function. Also,
the content items included in the recent access list 831 may be
deleted on the recent access list 831 through the deletion
function.
FIG. 32 is a flowchart of an operating method of a display device,
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
First, the control unit 170 of the display device 100 outputs an
electronic program guide (EPG) (S3201). The EPG may be a menu
screen that guides information on the broadcast program and the
information on additional service to the user. In an embodiment,
the control unit 170 may output the EPG through the display unit
180 according to a command received from the remote control device
200. That is, the control unit 200 may include an EPG view button.
If the EPG view button is selected, the control unit 170 may
display the EPG through the display unit 180.
In another embodiment, the control unit 170 may display the EPG
through the display unit 180 according to a command of selecting
the EPG view icon (not shown) included in the service display
region 320 shown in FIG. 6.
The control unit 170 of the display device 100 checks whether a
request to select a catch-up icon on the output EPG is received
(S3203), and provides information on a previous episode of a
corresponding broadcast program if the request to select the
catch-up icon is received (S3205).
The EPG may include information on general channels and information
on virtual channels. The general channels may be channels on which
the broadcasting company provides broadcast programs. In an
embodiment, the virtual channels may be channels which provide
media content through a specific content provider or a TV
manufacturer. In further another embodiment, the virtual channels
may be channels generated based on a watching history of a user,
regardless of the content provider or the TV manufacturer. The
watching history of the user may reflect genre of content which the
user has most watched. In further another embodiment, the media
content to be provided in the virtual channel may be determined
according to an edge input of the user. In still further another
embodiment, the media content to be provided in the virtual channel
may belong to one genre.
The user may compare medial content, which can be directly watched
in the virtual channel, as well as the broadcast programs provided
in the general channels through the information on the virtual
channels. Accordingly, the user may flexibly make its own watching
plan and may watch the media content in a wider range as well as
live broadcast.
The EPG may include information on the broadcast programs or media
content provided according to the flow of time at each channel.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
information on the general channels may include information on
previous episodes of the broadcast program provided in the
corresponding channel.
The EPG will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 33.
FIG. 33 is a view for describing a configuration of an EPG
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 33, the display device 100 may receive a request
for displaying the EPG during the playback of the broadcast program
and display the EPG 3300 on the screen 300 according to the
received request. The EPG 3300 may be displayed to overlap the
broadcast program being played back on the screen 300.
The EPG 3300 may include a general channel region 3310 and a
virtual channel region 3330. Broadcast programs provided in each
general channel may be arranged in the general channel region 3310
according to the flow of time. Media content or broadcast programs
provided in each virtual channel may be arranged in the virtual
channel region 3330 according to the flow of time.
The general channel region 3310 may include a general channel list
region 3311 and a broadcast program list region 3313. The general
channel list region 3311 may be a region for providing information
on the general channels. The general channel list region 3311 may
include names of broadcasting companies providing a plurality of
general channels and general channel numbers. The broadcast program
list region 3313 may include information on broadcast programs
provided in each general channel according to temporal order. The
information on the broadcast programs may include a broadcasting
time of the broadcast program, a title of the broadcast program,
and an information icon for providing detailed information of the
broadcast program. This will be described below.
The virtual channel region 3330 may include a virtual channel list
region 3331 and a media content list region 3333. The virtual
channel list region 3331 may be a region for providing information
on the virtual channels. The virtual channel list region 3331 may
include one or more of a genre of media content corresponding to
each of the virtual channels and a name of a content provider
providing each of the virtual channels. The media content list
region 3333 may include information on media content provided in
each virtual channel according to temporal order. The information
on the media content may include a broadcasting time of the media
content, a title of the media content, and an information icon for
providing detailed information of the media content.
The general channel list region 3313 may include a plurality of
broadcast program regions. Each broadcast program region may
include one or more of a title of a broadcast program and an
information icon. For example, the first broadcast program region
3350 may include a title 3351 of the broadcast program, <Marvels
Agents of SHIELD Season 2 Episode 2>, and a catch-up icon 3353.
The broadcast program region will be described in detail with
reference to FIGS. 34 to 36.
FIGS. 34 to 36 are views for describing information provided in a
broadcast program region, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
It is assumed that a broadcast program shown in FIG. 34 supports a
catch-up function. The catch-up function may be a function of
providing information on previous episodes of a corresponding
broadcast program and allowing a user to watch the previous
episodes.
First, referring to FIG. 34(a), the first broadcast program region
3350 may include a title 3351 of a broadcast program and a catch-up
icon 3353. The first broadcast program region 3350 may be divided
into a region corresponding to the title 3351 of the broadcast
program and a region corresponding to the catch-up icon 3353. If a
request to select the title 3351 of the broadcast program is
received, the control unit 170 may change a channel to a channel of
a broadcast program corresponding to the selected title 3351 of the
broadcast program and play back the corresponding broadcast
program. If a request to select the catch-up icon 3353 is received,
the control unit 170 may display detailed information of the
corresponding broadcast program including the information on the
catch-up function.
Referring to FIG. 34(b), the first broadcast program region 3350
may further include a favorites icon 3354. The favorites icon 3354
may be an icon for adding the corresponding broadcast program to
the favorites list. If the favorites icon 3354 is selected, the
control unit 170 may add the corresponding broadcast program or the
episode of the corresponding broadcast program to the favorites
list. The favorites icon 3354 may be displayed in any one of the
general channel list region 3311 and the virtual channel list
region 3331.
Next, FIGS. 35 and 36 are described.
If the catch-up icon 3353 is selected in FIG. 35, the control unit
170 may change the first broadcast program region 3350 to a first
broadcast program extension region 3560 and display the first
broadcast program extension region 3560 as shown in FIG. 35. The
first broadcast program extension region 3560 may be displayed on
the EPG 3300 as shown in FIG. 36. In FIG. 36, the first broadcast
program extension region 3560 is displayed by taking FIG. 35(a) as
an example, but the example shown in FIG. 35(b) may also be
displayed.
FIG. 35(a) is an example of a case where the corresponding
broadcast program is broadcast live, and FIG. 35(b) is an example
of a case where the corresponding broadcast program is scheduled to
be broadcast.
First, referring to FIG. 35(a), the first broadcast program
extension region 3560 may include a broadcast information button
3561 providing broadcast information of the corresponding broadcast
program, a record button 3563, and a catch-up button 3565. A title
of the broadcast program and a synopsis of the broadcast program
may be included on the broadcast information button 3561. If the
broadcast information button 3561 is selected, the control unit 170
may change a channel to a channel of a broadcast program
corresponding to the selected broadcast information button 3561 and
play back the corresponding broadcast program. If the record button
3563 is selected, the control unit 170 may record the corresponding
broadcast program being broadcast live. If the catch-up button 3565
is selected, the control unit 170 may provide detailed information
of the corresponding broadcast program and simultaneously provide a
function of allowing a user to watch a previous episode of the
corresponding broadcast program. This will be described below.
Referring to FIG. 35(b), if the corresponding broadcast program is
scheduled to be broadcast, the first broadcast program extension
region 3560 may include a broadcast information button 3561
providing broadcast information of the corresponding broadcast
program, a scheduled record button 3567, a watching reserve button
3569, and a catch-up button 3565. The broadcast information button
3561 and the catch-up button 3565 are identical to those described
with reference to FIG. 35(a). The scheduled record button 3567 may
be a button for performing a scheduled record of a broadcast
program scheduled to be broadcast. If the scheduled record button
3567 is selected, the control unit 170 may automatically record the
corresponding broadcast program at a scheduled broadcast time of
the corresponding broadcast program. The watching reserve button
3569 may be a button for reserving the watching of a broadcast
program scheduled to be broadcast. If the watching reserve button
3569 is selected, the control unit 170 may play back the
watching-reserved broadcast program at a scheduled broadcasting
time of the corresponding broadcast program.
Next, FIG. 37 is described.
FIG. 37 is a view for describing information provided if a catch-up
button is selected, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
If the catch-up button 3565 of the first broadcast program region
560 is selected on the EPG 3300 of FIG. 36, the control unit 170
may provide a previous episode information screen 3700 of a
broadcast program corresponding to the selected catch-up button
3565. The previous episode information screen 3700 may include a
detailed information display region 3710, a season select button
3720, a previous episode select button 3730, and a playback request
button 3740. The detailed information display region 3710 may be a
region for providing information on a synopsis, a total playback
time, a title, a broadcasting time, and the like of the
corresponding broadcast program. The season select button 3720 may
be a button for selecting a season of the corresponding broadcast
program. The previous episode select button 3730 may be a button
for providing information on a previous episode of the
corresponding broadcast program. The playback request button 3740
may be a button for requesting the playback of the broadcast
program of the season and episode selected through the season
select button 3720 and the previous episode select button 3730. A
thumbnail image of the corresponding broadcast program may be
displayed on the background of the previous episode information
screen 3700.
The user may directly watch the previous episode of the
corresponding broadcast program through the catch-up function. The
existing EPG shows only general information on the broadcast
program. However, according to the embodiment of the present
invention, the catch-up function is added to the EPG to thereby
allow the user to easily watch the selected previous episode of the
broadcast program. Additionally, according to the embodiment of the
present invention, unlike the past watching pattern in which the
user merely watches the given program, it is possible to provide
the opportunity to allow the user to continuously watch the
previous episodes of the broadcast program desired by the user
according to the recent watching pattern in which the user selects
only desired broadcast programs and continuously watch the selected
broadcast programs.
On the other hand, if the catch-up function is not supported in the
corresponding broadcast program, the catch-up icon may not be
displayed in the broadcast program region. If the catch-up function
is not supported in the corresponding broadcast program, the
control unit 170 may control the display unit 180 to display the
information icon, without displaying the catch-up icon. This will
be described below with reference to FIG. 38.
FIG. 38 is a view for describing information provided in a
broadcast program region if a catch-up function is not supported in
a broadcast program, according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
Referring to FIG. 38(a), the second broadcast program region 3800
may include a title 3801 of a broadcast program. Since the
broadcast program corresponding to the second broadcast program
region 3800 does not support the catch-up function, the catch-up
icon may not be displayed. If a request to select the title 3801 of
the broadcast program is received, the control unit 170 may change
a channel to a channel of a broadcast program corresponding to the
selected title 3801 of the broadcast program and play back the
corresponding broadcast program.
Referring to FIG. 38(b), the second broadcast program region 3800
may further include an information icon 3803, in addition to the
title 3801 of the broadcast program. The second broadcast program
region 3800 may be divided into a region corresponding to the title
3801 of the broadcast program and a region corresponding to the
information icon 3803. The information icon 3803 may be an icon for
providing detailed information on the corresponding broadcast
program. If the information icon 3803 is selected, the control unit
170 may provide detailed information on the broadcast program
corresponding to the selected information icon 3803. This will be
described below with reference to FIG. 39.
FIG. 39 illustrates an example of detailed information provided if
an information icon is selected in a broadcast program region,
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
If the information icon 3803 is selected in FIG. 38, the control
unit 170 may change the second broadcast program region 3800 to a
second broadcast program extension region 3900 and display the
second broadcast program extension region 3900 as shown in FIG. 39.
Instead of the second broadcast program region 3800, the second
broadcast program extension region 3900 may be displayed on the EPG
3300.
FIG. 39(a) is an example of a case where the corresponding
broadcast program is broadcast live, and FIG. 39(b) is an example
of a case where the corresponding broadcast program is scheduled to
be broadcast.
First, referring to FIG. 39(a), the second broadcast program
extension region 3900 may include a broadcast information button
3901 providing broadcast information of the corresponding broadcast
program and a record button 3903. A title of the broadcast program
and a synopsis of the broadcast program may be included on the
broadcast information button 3901. If the broadcast information
button 3901 is selected, the control unit 170 may change a channel
to a channel of a broadcast program corresponding to the selected
broadcast information button 3901 and play back the corresponding
broadcast program. If the record button 3903 is selected, the
control unit 170 may record the corresponding broadcast program
being broadcast live.
Referring to FIG. 39(b), the second broadcast program region 3900
may include a broadcast information button 3901, a scheduled record
button 3905, and a watching reserve button 3907. The broadcast
information button 3901 is identical to that described with
reference to FIG. 39(a). The scheduled record button 3905 may be a
button for performing a scheduled record of a broadcast program
scheduled to be broadcast. If the scheduled record button 3905 is
selected, the control unit 170 may automatically record the
corresponding broadcast program at a scheduled broadcast time of
the corresponding broadcast program. The watching reserve button
3907 may be a button for reserving the watching of a broadcast
program scheduled to be broadcast. If the watching reserve button
3907 is selected, the control unit 170 may play back the
watching-reserved broadcast program at a scheduled broadcasting
time of the corresponding broadcast program.
According to further another embodiment of the present invention,
if the information icon 3803 is selected, the control unit 170 may
display a content provider list capable of providing episodes of
the corresponding broadcast program. If any one content provider is
selected through the content provider list, the control unit 170
may access the corresponding content provider and provide
information on the previous episode of the corresponding broadcast
program.
Again, FIG. 32 is described.
The control unit 170 of the display device 100 checks whether a
request for playing back the broadcast program of the previous
episode based on the provided information on the previous episode
of the broadcast program is received (S3207), and plays back the
broadcast program of the previous episode if the request for
playing back the broadcast program of the previous episode is
received (S3209). This will be described in more detail with
reference to FIGS. 33 to 37.
The control unit 170 of the display device 100 performs any one of
a scheduled record of a broadcast program and a real-time record
while playing back the broadcast program of the previous episode
(S3211). Operations S3209 and S3211 may be performed at the same
time. Specifically, if the broadcast program of the previous
episode is played back according to the catch-up function, the
control unit 170 may recognize a current time and the broadcast
program of the played-back previous episode and perform any one of
a scheduled record or a real-time record of a live broadcast
program. This will be described below with reference to FIGS. 40 to
42.
FIGS. 40 to 42 are views for describing various embodiments which
may occur if a broadcast program of a previous episode is played
back according to an execution of a catch-up function.
In the following, it is assumed that the episode of each broadcast
program has a playback section of 1 hour.
First, FIGS. 40 and 41 are described.
FIGS. 40 and 41 are views for describing an embodiment which may
occur if a previous episode X-1 of a broadcast program is played
back, and a next episode X is scheduled to be broadcast.
Referring to FIG. 40, the broadcast program of the previous episode
X-1 is being played back from 09:30 (current time) according to a
playback request. A scheduled broadcasting time of the broadcast
program of the next episode X is 10:00. If the time reaches 10:00,
that is, the broadcasting time of the broadcast program of the next
episode X during the playback of the broadcast program of the
previous episode X-1, the control unit 170 may automatically record
the episode X. That is, if the broadcast program of the previous
episode is played back according to the catch-up function and the
broadcast program of the next episode is scheduled to be broadcast,
the control unit 170 may perform a scheduled record function on the
broadcast program of the next episode. Then, if the broadcast
program of the next episode starts to be broadcast, the control
unit 170 may record the broadcast program of the next episode
according to the set scheduled record function. If the playback of
the broadcast program of the previous episode X-1 is completed, the
control unit 170 may immediately play back the broadcast program of
the next episode X. The user may watch series of the broadcast
programs without stopping.
Next, FIG. 41 is described.
Referring to FIG. 41, the broadcast program of the previous episode
X-1 was played back according to the playback request and the
playback thereof was completed at 10:30 (current time). The
broadcast program of the next episode X is scheduled to be
broadcast from 10:40. The control unit 170 may play back a
highlight broadcast of a previous episode X-2 or a preview of an
episode X from the playback end time of the episode X-1 to the
scheduled broadcasting time of the episode X (from 10:30 to 10:40).
That is, if the playback of the broadcast program of the previous
episode is completed according to the catch-up function and there
is the time left until the scheduled broadcasting of the broadcast
program of the next episode, the control unit 170 may play back a
highlight broadcast of a broadcast program of a more previous
episode or a preview of a broadcast program of a next period.
Next, FIG. 42 is described.
FIG. 42 is a view for describing an embodiment which may occur if
an episode X is broadcast live at a playback time point of a
previous episode X-1 of a broadcast program.
Referring to FIG. 42, the playback of the broadcast program of the
previous episode X-1 was started according to the playback request
(current time: 10:05). The broadcast program of the next episode X
is being broadcast live from 10:00. The control unit 170 may
automatically record the episode X at the same time as the playback
start of the episode X-1. That is, if the broadcast program of the
next episode is being broadcast live during the playback of the
broadcast program of the previous episode, the control unit 170 may
automatically record the broadcast program of the next episode at
the same time as the playback start of the previous episode. Then,
if the playback of the broadcast program of the previous episode
X-1 is completed, the control unit 170 may immediately play back
the broadcast program of the next episode X. The user may watch
series of the broadcast programs without stopping.
Again, FIG. 32 is described.
On the other hand, if a request to select media content of a
virtual channel is received (S3213), the control unit 170 of the
display device 100 outputs a content provider list capable of
providing the selected media content (S3215). The control unit 170
may recommend the content providers capable of providing the
selected media content. This will be described below with reference
to FIGS. 43 to 47.
FIGS. 43 to 47 are views for describing an embodiment which outputs
a content provider list capable of providing media content of a
virtual channel, according to various embodiments of the present
invention.
Next, FIG. 43 is described.
If media content 3334 <New Girl> is selected in the media
content list region 3333 of FIG. 33, the control unit 170 may
control the display unit 180 to display the content provider list
4310 on the screen 300 based on a purchase price of the media
content, as shown in FIG. 43. The control unit 170 may arrange the
content providers in ascending order of purchase price of media
content. The first content provider 4311 provides the corresponding
media content free of charge, the second content provider 4313
provides the corresponding media content at 3 dollars, and the
third content provider 4315 provides the corresponding medial
content at 5 dollars. The user may select the content provider,
whose media content is to be played back, through the content
provider list 4310 based on the purchase price of the media
content.
In further another embodiment, the content provider list 4310 may
include only the first content provider 4311 providing the selected
media content at the lowest price.
Next, FIG. 44 is described.
If media content 3334 <New Girl> is selected in the media
content list region 3333 of FIG. 33, the control unit 170 may
control the display unit 180 to display the content provider list
4310 on the screen 300 based on a network speed, as shown in FIG.
44. The network speed may be a transmission speed of media content
of the content provider. The transmission speed of the media
content includes the case of streaming the media content or the
case of downloading the media content. The control unit 170 may
arrange the content providers in descending order of the network
speed. The second content provider 4313 provides the corresponding
media content at a speed of 1 Mbps, the first content provider 4311
provides the corresponding media content at a speed of 0.5 Mbps,
and the third content provider 4315 provides the corresponding
medial content at a speed of 0.1 Mbps. The user may select the
content provider, whose media content is to be played back, through
the content provider list 4310 based on the network speed.
In further another embodiment, the content provider list 4310 may
include only the second content provider 4313 providing the
selected media content at the highest speed.
Next, FIG. 45 is described.
If media content 3334 <New Girl> is selected in the media
content list region 3333 of FIG. 33, the control unit 170 may
control the display unit 180 to display the content provider list
4310 on the screen 300 based on the number of accesses of the
content provider, as shown in FIG. 45. The number of accesses of
the content provider may be the number of executes of an
application corresponding to the content provider. The control unit
170 may arrange the content providers in descending order of the
number of accesses The number of accesses of the third content
provider 4315 is 100, the number of accesses of the first content
provider 4311 is 50, and the number of accesses of the second
content provider 4313 is 10. The user may select the content
provider, whose media content is to be played back, through the
content provider list 4310 based on the number of accesses.
In further another embodiment, the content provider list 4310 may
include only the third content provider 4315 having the largest
number of accesses.
Next, FIG. 46 is described.
If media content 3334 <New Girl> is selected in the media
content list region 3333 of FIG. 33, the control unit 170 may
control the display unit 180 to display the content provider list
4310 on the screen 300 based on the joining or not as the content
provider, as shown in FIG. 46. The control unit 170 may arrange
only the content providers joined by the user in the content
provider list 4310. In FIG. 46, only the first content provider
4311 is displayed in the content provider list 4310. The user may
select the content provider, whose media content is to be played
back, through the content provider list 4310 based on the joining
or not as the content provider.
Next, FIG. 47 is described.
If media content 3334 <New Girl> is selected in the media
content list region 3333, the control unit 170 may control the
display unit 180 to display the content provider list 730 including
the purchase price of the media content, the network speed, and the
information on the number of accesses on the screen 300, as shown
in FIG. 47. The user may select the content provider, whose media
content is to be played back, through the content provider list
4310 based on the joining or not as the content provider.
The control unit 170 of the display device 100 may play back the
media content provided through any one content provider among one
or more content providers included in the content provider list
(S3217).
In an embodiment, the control unit 170 may receive a request to
select any one content provider on the content provider list shown
in FIGS. 43 to 47, and play back media content provided through the
selected content provider according to the received request.
In another embodiment, the control unit 170 may access the content
provider providing the media content at the lowest purchase price
and play back the corresponding media content, without displaying
the content provider list.
In further another embodiment, the control unit 170 may access the
content provider providing the media content at the highest network
speed and play back the corresponding media content, without
displaying the content provider list.
In further another embodiment, the control unit 170 may access the
content provider having the largest number of accesses and play
back the corresponding media content, without displaying the
content provider list.
In another embodiment, the control unit 170 may access the joined
content provider and play back the corresponding media content,
without displaying the content provider list.
According to an embodiment, the above-described method may also be
embodied as processor-readable codes on a program-recorded medium.
According to an embodiment, the above-described method may be
embodied as processor-readable codes in a medium on which a program
is recorded. Examples of processor-readable mediums include ROM,
RAM, CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, an optical data
storage device, and the like. If desired, the processor-readable
medium may be realized in the form of a carrier wave (for example,
a transmission over the Internet).
In the display devices described above, the configurations and
methods of the embodiments described above are not limitedly
applied, but the embodiments may be configured by selectively
combining all or part of embodiments so that various modifications
can be made thereto.
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